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Biesbosch

Biesbosch

Country:

Netherlands

Site number:

197

Area:

9,640 ha

Designation date:

23-05-1980

Coordinates:

51°44'N 04°46'E

Materials presented on this website, particularly maps and territorial information, are as-is and as-available based on available data and do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Secretariat of the Ramsar Convention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area, or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries.

Overview

Biesbosch. 23/05/80; Noord-Brabant; 9,640 ha; 051°44’N 004°46’E. Natura 2000 (SPA, SAC), National Park. The Site, at the confluence of the Rhine and Meuse rivers, is formed by tidal freshwater floodplain marshes characterized by reedbeds, swamp forests and creeks. The original Ramsar Site, named De Biesbosch (southern part), was extended significantly to follow the Natura 2000 boundary, resulting in the addition of an area of over 6,800 ha. Biesbosch is rich in biodiversity and supports globally threatened species of waterbirds such as bittern (Botaurus stellaris) and spotted crake (Porzana porzana). It also regularly supports more than 20,000 wintering waterbirds, and the shallow waters play an important function as a spawning, nursery and feeding grounds for various fish and mollusc species. The Site’s hydrological values include flood control, sediment and nutrient retention, and water purification. It is also used for farming and reed cutting, and it hosts wind farms and commercial fisheries. The threats to the ecological character of the Site include the continuing industrialization and urbanization of the surrounding areas. Ramsar site no. 197. Most recent RIS information: 2013.